Comments: 2

It was
great to see Instructors from different UKITF regions coming together to gain
some knowledge and understanding of the UKITF Pro-Taekwon system and syllabus.

After not
only catching up with old colleagues but meeting new ones all Instructors were
introduced to Mr Lee Hollingsworth who conducted the workshop.

Mr
Hollingsworth handed out the packs which contained the required information
including the syllabus to run the Pro-Taekwon classes. We systematically went
through the syllabus as Mr Hollingsworth answered questions and any concerns
raised.

It was then
time to physically work our way through the syllabus, starting with a good and
thorough warm up. Many of the Instructors in attendance having years of
experience teaching Taekwon-Do found themselves still gaining and learning new
warm up routines and strengthening exercises.

After a
great warm up now ready to work our way through the syllabus we moved onto the
first requirements which took us from White-Yellow. Working on fighting
stance/footwork, punching techniques, kicking techniques, blocking &
evasion, counter techniques, and finally the required combinations.

As we moved
onto the Yellow-Green syllabus it was clear that the steady progression of the
movements and techniques closely followed the systematic idea of our Taekwon-Do
training, with a method and a clear explanation of development.

Having done
the various footwork routines we then had some “fun” working on some plyometric
exercises, it was interesting to see the coordination required to achieve these
exercises and how they would lead onto improving your footwork and the ability
to move around the fighting area. Very logical and also not just vital for
Pro-Taekwon but great to incorporate into our Taekwon-Do classes as well.

The
Green-Blue syllabus as well as all the other requirements moved onto a greater
understanding of moving around the ring, more kicking and hand/leg
combinations. A greater understanding of blocking and evasion with more
conditioning required as the students progress. Following from the previous
syllabus you could see how the Green-Blue required more strength training as we
were taken through some various strengthening but explosive exercises using a
medicine ball. It was clear to see the development of technique, coordination
and strength as we moved through and up to the Blue-Red syllabus.

Mr
Hollingsworth decided that for a one day workshop the White to Blue syllabus
was enough to start running a Pro-Taekwon class, enabling Instructors to
introduce existing and new students to the syllabus. Another workshop next year
will then move from Blue-Red and Red-Black.

At every
step of the workshop Mr Hollingsworth demonstrated with such precision and
experience gaining the utmost respect from all in attendance. It was a great
opportunity not only to gain the knowledge of the Pro-Taekwon syllabus but to spend
some time being taught by such an enthusiastic and talented
fighter/coach/Instructor.

I would
personally like to thank and I can honestly say I speak for all the Instructors
present at the workshop Mr Hollingsworth for his time and effort in conducting
the first UKITF Pro-Taekwon workshop.

I recommend
this workshop to all Instructors as it doesn’t just give you the ability to
teach the Pro-Taekwon syllabus, but will give you some great ideas to
incorporate into your Taekwon-Do squad training and weekly training.

UK ITF Instructors are accredited by the British Taekwondo Council, national governing body for Taekwondo in the UK, which includes DBS/PVG Scheme Enhanced certification, insurance and continued professional development